Chateau Fontareche Old Vines Parcellar Selection Corbieres 2022

94 POINTS: Wine Direct Tasting Team 

Blend of 40% Carignan, 25% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah, 5% Grenache.

"This red Corbières is everything we love about the wild south of France – a hearty blend of Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre that delivers layers of rich, dark fruit, wild herbs, and earthy spice. Expect ripe blackberry and black cherry aromas with hints of garrigue – that unmistakable mix of lavender, thyme and rosemary that screams Mediterranean charm. The palate is full and fleshy, with supple tannins and a savoury finish that lingers with notes of pepper and licorice."

The Fontarèche property, at the heart of Corbiere in Languedoc-Roussillon, has a long, illustrious and noble history dating back to 1201. Current proprietor, Jacques de Lamy took over from his father, Count Edouard de Lamy in 1957 where the de Lamy family has been in charge of the property since 1682. The estate works with 17 grape varieties, but Carignan is their jewel in the crown. The vines are planted to the semi-desert Mediterranean climate trapped between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The Atlantic breezes funnel through the mountain ranges that form the backdrop of the region and help to temper the summer heat in the vineyards retaining freshness and vibrancy in the wines.